Purification of progesterone receptor modulators

ABSTRACT

Methods for purifying a compound of formula I are provided, wherein A, B, X, Q, and R 1  are defined herein. 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     The methods include mixing the compound of formula I and a solvent; adding a base to the solvent; and precipitating purified compound of formula I.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/113,730, filed Apr. 25, 2005, which claims the benefit under 35 USC119(e) of prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/565,659,filed Apr. 27, 2004, now expired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the production of progesterone receptormodulators.

The purification of progesterone receptor (PR) modulators can beachieved by recrystallization using organic solvents. However, sincemany PR modulators have poor solubilities in organic solvents,recrystallization requires large volumes of the organic solvents todissolve the PR modulators, thus making the purification lesseconomical.

What is needed in the art are alternate methods for purifyingprogesterone receptor modulators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for purifyingindolone, indol-thione, indol-ylidene cyanamide, benzoxazinone,benzoxazin-thione, benzoxazin-ylidene cyanamide, benzothiazinone,benzothiazine-thione, benzothiazin-ylidene cyanamide compounds, orderivatives thereof.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method forpurifying indol-2-one, indol-2-thione, indol-2-ylidene cyanamide,benzoxazin-2-one, benzoxazin-2-thione, benzoxazin-2-ylidene cyanamide,benzothiazin-2-one, benzothiazine-2-thione, benzothiazin-2-ylidenecyanamide compounds, or derivatives thereof.

In still a further aspect, these compounds are progesterone receptormodulators.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for purifying acompound of formula I:

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention are describedfurther in the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods for the purification ofprogesterone receptor modulators, including agonists and antagonists,and their intermediates. In one embodiment, the progesterone receptormodulators prepared according to the present invention contain an acidichydrogen atom. In a further embodiment, the progesterone receptormodulators prepared according to the present invention contain an acidicN—H group. In still further embodiments, the compounds are indolone,indol-thione, indol-ylidene cyanamide, benzoxazinone, benzoxazin-thione,benzoxazin-ylidene cyanamide, benzothiazinone, benzothiazine-thione,benzothiazin-ylidene cyanamide compounds, or derivatives thereof, orindol-2-one, indol-2-thione, indol-2-ylidene cyanamide,benzoxazin-2-one, benzoxazin-2-thione, benzoxazin-2-ylidene cyanamide,benzothiazin-2-one, benzothiazine-2-thione, benzothiazin-2-ylidenecyanamide compounds, or derivatives thereof.

The inventors have found that by treating a crude form of a compound offormula I with a base to form a basic salt, the basic salt can beconverted to a purified form of the same compound. See, Scheme 1,wherein A, B, T, Q, and R¹ are defined below.

I. DEFINITIONS

The term “alkyl” is used herein to refer to both straight- andbranched-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having 1 to about10 carbon atoms, or 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. The term “alkenyl” isused herein to refer to both straight- and branched-chain alkyl groupshaving one or more carbon-carbon double bonds and containing about 2 toabout 10 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, the term alkenyl refers to analkyl group having 1 or 2 carbon-carbon double bonds and having 2 toabout 6 carbon atoms. The term “alkynyl” group is used herein to referto both straight- and branched-chain alkyl groups having one or morecarbon-carbon triple bond and having 2 to about 8 carbon atoms. In oneembodiment, the term alkynyl refers to an alkyl group having 1 or 2carbon-carbon triple bonds and having 2 to about 6 carbon atoms.

The term “cycloalkyl” is used herein to refer to an alkyl group, aspreviously described, that is cyclic in structure and has about 3 toabout 10 carbon atoms, about 4 to about 8 carbon atoms, or about 5 toabout 8 carbon atoms.

The terms “substituted alkyl”, “substituted alkenyl”, “substitutedalkynyl”, and “substituted cycloalkyl” refer to alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,and cycloalkyl groups, respectively, having one or more substituents thesame or different including, without limitation, halogen, CN, OH, NO₂,amino, aryl, heterocyclic, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkylcarboxy,and arylthio, which groups can be optionally substituted. Thesesubstituents can be attached to any carbon of an alkyl, alkenyl, oralkynyl group provided that the attachment constitutes a stable chemicalmoiety.

The term “aryl” as used herein as a group or part of a group refers toan aromatic system which can include a single ring or multiple aromaticrings fused or linked together where at least one part of the fused orlinked rings forms the conjugated aromatic system e.g. having 6 to 14carbon atoms. The aryl groups can include, but are not limited to,phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, anthryl, tetrahydronaphthyl, phenanthryl,indene, benzonaphthyl, and fluorenyl.

The term “substituted aryl” refers to an aryl group which is substitutedwith one or more substituents the same or different including halogen,CN, OH, NO₂, amino, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy,aryloxy, alkyloxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkylcarboxy, aminoalkyl, andarylthio, which groups can be optionally substituted. In one embodiment,a substituted aryl group is substituted with 1 to about 4 substituents.

The term “heterocyclic” as used herein refers to a stable 4- to10-membered monocyclic or multicyclic heterocyclic ring which issaturated, partially unsaturated, or wholly unsaturated. Theheterocyclic ring has carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms includingnitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur atoms. In one embodiment, the heterocyclicring has 1 to about 4 heteroatoms in the backbone of the ring. When theheterocyclic ring contains nitrogen or sulfur atoms in the backbone ofthe ring, the nitrogen or sulfur atoms can be oxidized. The term“heterocyclic” also refers to multicyclic rings in which a heterocyclicring is fused to an aryl ring, e.g. of 6 to 14 carbon atoms. Theheterocyclic ring can be attached to the aryl ring through a heteroatomor carbon atom provided the resultant heterocyclic ring structure ischemically stable.

A variety of heterocyclic groups are known in the art and include,without limitation, oxygen-containing rings, nitrogen-containing rings,sulfur-containing rings, mixed heteroatom-containing rings, fusedheteroatom containing rings, and combinations thereof. Oxygen-containingrings include, but are not limited to, furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl,pyranyl, pyronyl, and dioxinyl rings. Nitrogen-containing rings include,without limitation, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, pyridyl,piperidinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl,piperazinyl, azepinyl, triazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, azepinyl, and carbazolylrings. Sulfur-containing rings include, without limitation, thienyl anddithiolyl rings. Mixed heteroatom containing rings include, but are notlimited to, oxathiolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, oxatriazolyl,dioxazolyl, oxathiazolyl, oxathiolyl, oxazinyl, oxathiazinyl,morpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl sulfoxide, oxepinyl,thiepinyl, and diazepinyl rings. Fused heteroatom containing ringsinclude, but are not limited to, benzofuranyl, thionapthene, indolyl,benazazolyl, purindinyl, pyranopyrrolyl, isoindazolyl, indoxazinyl,benzoxazolyl, anthranilyl, benzopyranyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl,benzodiazonyl, napthylridinyl, benzothienyl, pyridopyridinyl,benzoxazinyl, xanthenyl, acridinyl, and purinyl rings.

The term “substituted heterocyclic” as used herein refers to aheterocyclic group having one or more substituents the same or differentincluding halogen, CN, OH, NO₂, amino, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkyloxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkylcarboxy,aminoalkyl, and arylthio, which groups can be optionally substituted. Inone embodiment, a substituted heterocyclic group is substituted with 1to about 4 substituents.

The term “alkoxy” as used herein refers to the O(alkyl) group, where thepoint of attachment is through the oxygen-atom and the alkyl group isoptionally substituted.

The term “aryloxy” as used herein refers to the O(aryl) group, where thepoint of attachment is through the oxygen-atom and the aryl group isoptionally substituted.

The term “alkyloxy” includes hydroxyalkyl and as used herein refers tothe alkylOH group, where the point of attachment is through the alkylgroup.

The term “arylthio” as used herein refers to the S(aryl) group, wherethe point of attachment is through the sulfur-atom and the aryl groupcan be optionally substituted.

The term “alkylcarbonyl” as used herein refers to the C(O)(alkyl) group,where the point of attachment is through the carbon-atom of the carbonylmoiety and the alkyl group is optionally substituted.

The term “alkylcarboxy” as used herein refers to the C(O)O(alkyl) group,where the point of attachment is through the carbon-atom of the carboxymoiety and the alkyl group is optionally substituted.

The term “aminoalkyl” includes “alkylamino” and as used herein refers toboth secondary and tertiary amines where the point of attachment isthrough the nitrogen-atom and the alkyl groups are optionallysubstituted. The alkyl groups can be the same or different.

The term “thioalkoxy” or “thioalkyl” as used herein refers to theS(alkyl) group, where the point of attachment is through the sulfur-atomand the alkyl group is optionally substituted.

The term “halogen” as used herein refers to Cl, Br, F, or I groups.

The term “ester” as used herein refers to a C(O)O, where the points ofattachment are through both the C-atom and O-atom. One or both oxygenatoms of the ester group can be replaced with a sulfur atom, therebyforming a “thioester”, i.e., a C(O)S, C(S)O or C(S)S group.

A “base” useful in the invention is a chemical compound having a pKagreater than 16 that is capable of abstracting an acidic hydrogen atombound to a molecule.

An “acid” useful in the invention is a chemical compound having a pKa ofless than 16. A number of acids can be utilized according to the presentinvention and include water, mineral acids, and organic acids such ashydrochloric acid, acetic acid, and solutions containing hydrochloricacid or acetic acid, among others. In one embodiment, the acid isaqueous hydrochloric acid or aqueous acetic acid.

The term “purified” or “pure” as used herein refers to a compound thatcontains less than about 10% impurities. In one embodiment, the term“purified” or “pure” refers to a compound that contains less than about5% impurities, less than about 2% impurities, or less than about 1%impurities. The term “purified” or “pure” can also refer to a compoundthat contains about 0% impurities.

The term “crude” as used herein refers to a compound that containsgreater than about 10% impurities. In one embodiment, the term “crude”refers to a compound that contains greater than about 5% impurities,greater than about 2% impurities, or greater than about 1% impurities.The impurities that can be present in a crude sample can include unusedstarting materials or undesirable side products formed during thereaction to form the crude compound. In one embodiment, such impuritiesare present as solids. The impurities can also include solvents that arepresent or trapped in the crude compound.

By the term “dry” or “drying” is meant a procedure by which entrappedsolvents, including organic solvents, purifying solvents, solubilizingsolvents, or water, or volatile solids are removed from a sample.

The term “electron withdrawing group” as used herein is meant todescribe a chemical substituent that withdraws electrons from thechemical group to which it is attached. Examples of electron withdrawinggroups include, without limitation, CN, SO₃H, CO₂H, CO₂R, CHO, COR, NO₂,NR₃ ⁺, CF₃, or CCl₃. In one embodiment, the electron withdrawing groupis CN.

II. METHOD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention therefore provides methods for purifying indolone,indol-thione, indol-ylidene cyanamide, benzoxazinone, benzoxazin-thione,benzoxazin-ylidene cyanamide, benzothiazinone, benzothiazine-thione,benzothiazin-ylidene cyanamide compounds, or derivatives thereof. In afurther embodiment, indol-2-one, indol-2-thione, indol-2-ylidenecyanamide, benzoxazin-2-one, benzoxazn=2--=thione, benzoxazin=2-ylidenecyanamide, benzothiazin-2-one, benzothiazine-2-thione,benzothiazin-2-ylidene cyanamide compounds, or derivatives thereof, areprepared according to the present invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods for purifyingcompounds of formula I.

wherein, A and B are independently selected from H, C₁ to C₆ alkyl,substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, C₂ to C₆ alkenyl, substituted C₂ to C₆alkenyl, C₂ to C₆ alkynyl, substituted C₂ to C₆ alkynyl, C₃ to C₈cycloalkyl, substituted C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl,heterocyclic, substituted heterocyclic, COR^(A), or NR^(B)COR^(A).Alternatively, A and B are joined to form a ring including (i) acarbon-based 3 to 8 membered saturated spirocyclic ring; (ii) acarbon-based 3 to 8 membered spirocyclic ring containing in its backboneone or more carbon-carbon double bonds; or (iii) a 3 to 8 memberedheterocyclic ring containing in its backbone one to three heteroatomsselected from the group consisting of O, S and N. The rings areoptionally substituted by from 1 to 4 groups independently selected fromamong fluorine, C₁ to C₆ alkyl, C₁ to C₆ alkoxy, C₁ to C₆ thioalkyl,CF₃, OH, CN, NH₂, NH(C₁ to C₆ alkyl), or N(C₁ to C₆ alkyl)₂. In oneembodiment, A and B are C₁ to C₆ alkyl or are fused to form acarbon-based saturated spirocyclic ring. RA is selected from among H, C₁to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, C₁ toC₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, amino, C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, orsubstituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl. RB is selected from among H, C₁ to C₃alkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl. T is selected from among O, S, oris absent and Q is selected from among O, S, or NR³. R³ may be anelectron withdrawing group. In one embodiment, R³ is selected from amongC₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, CN,C(O)R⁴, S0₂R⁴, SCN, OR⁴, SR^(4,) C(O)OR⁴ , C(S)OR⁴, C(O)SR⁴, or C(S)SR⁴and R⁴ is selected from among C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆alkyl, aryl, or substituted aryl. In another embodiment, R³is CN.

RI is located at any position on the ring. In one embodiment, R¹ ishalogen. In another embodiment, the halogen is bromine. In still anotherembodiment, R¹ is selected from among a substituted benzene ringcontaining the substituents X, Y and Z as shown below:

wherein, X is selected from among H, halogen, CN, C₁ to C₃ alkyl,substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl,substituted alkynyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ toC₃ thioalkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy, amino, C₁ to C₃aminoalkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, NO₂, C₁ to C₃perfluoroalkyl, 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring containing in itsbackbone 1 to 3 heteroatoms, SO₂NH₂, COR^(C), OCOR^(C), orNR^(D)COR^(C); R^(C) is selected from among H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl,substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy,substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, or substituted C₁ toC₃ aminoalkyl; R^(D) is selected from among H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, orsubstituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl; and Y and Z are independently selected fromamong H, halogen, CN, NO₂, amino, aminoalkyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃alkyl, or C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy.

In another embodiment, R¹ is a five or six membered heterocyclic ringcomprising 1, 2, or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom containing groupsincluding O, S, SO, SO₂ or NR₂ and containing one or two substituentsindependently selected from among H, halogen, CN, NO₂, amino, C₁ to C₃alkyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, SO₂NH₂, COR^(E), orNR^(F)COR^(E); R^(E) is selected from among H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl,substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy,substituted C, to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, or substituted C₁ toC₃ aminoalkyl; and R^(F) is selected from among H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, orsubstituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl. R² is absent or selected from among H, O, orC₁ to C₄ alkyl. In one embodiment, R¹ is a pyrrole ring, or a pyrrolering having a cyano substituent.

In another embodiment, the following compounds are purified according tothe present invention, where A, B, and R¹ are as defined above.

In a further embodiment, the following compounds are purified accordingto the present invention.

In one embodiment, the compounds produced according to the methodsdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,509,334; 6,566,358; 6,391,907; 6,608,068;6,466,648; 6,521,657; 6,583,145; 6,436,929; 6,407,101; 6,562,857;5,171,851; and 5,874,430; and Singh (J Med. Chem., 37:248-254 (1994))are purified according to the method of the invention.

The compounds of the invention are treated with a base in the presenceof a purifying solvent to form a basic salt. One of skill in the artwould readily be able to select a suitable base according to itsbasicity and the compound being purified. A number of bases can be usedaccording to the present invention and include hydroxides, alkoxides,amines, amidines, ketones, and amino acids such as arginine, lysine, andbetaine, among others. Hydroxides can include, without limitation,2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylethaminium hydroxide (choline hydroxide),sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, zinchydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide. Alkoxides caninclude, without limitation, potassium, sodium, and lithium alkoxidessuch as potassium tert-butoxide, sodium tert-butoxide, lithiumtert-butoxide, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium tert-pentoxide,and potassium tert-pentoxide. Amines can include dimethylamine,diethylamine, piperidine, ethylenediamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine,triethanolamine, lysine, arginine, morpholine, andtris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, among others. In one embodiment, theamine is diethylamine. Amidines can include tetramethylguanidine,diazabicycloundecene, or diazabicyclononene, among others. Ketones caninclude lower ketones, e.g., of 2 to 7 carbon atoms such as acetone andmethyl ethyl ketone.

The inventors have found that when combined with the crude parentcompound, diethylamine forms a complex as shown in Scheme 2.

Typically, a molar ratio of 1:1 to 3: 1, or greater, base to the crudeform of the compound of the invention is utilized. Where desired, themolar ratio is at least about 1.5:1, at least about 2:1, or at leastabout 3:1. The base can also serve as the solvent for the purification.One of skill in art would readily be able to determine the amount ofbase required to form the basic salt.

Several puri fying solvents can be utilized to form the basic salt andinclude alcohols, including lower alcohols such as methanol (MeOH),ethanol (EtOH), and isopropanol (^(i)PrOH), ethers such astetrahydrofuran (THF) and 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), dimethylsulfoxide(DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide,N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylpyrimidone, or combinations thereof, amongothers. In one embodiment, the purifying solvent is an alcohol,including a lower alcohol e.g. of 1 to 6 carbon atoms such as methanol(MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), and isopropanol (^(i)PrOH), an ether such astetrahydrofuran (THF), 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), or combinationsthereof. Water, alone or combined with water-soluble solvents such asalcohols, acetone, or THF; and aqueous solutions of hydroxide salts suchas sodium hydroxide, can also be utilized as the solvent. As notedabove, the solvent can also be the base utilized to form the basic saltand includes diethylamine, amidine bases, and dimethylamine, optionallyunder pressure. In a further embodiment, a purifying solvent is selectedfrom among MeOH, THF, and combinations thereof. However, one of skill inthe art would readily be able to select a suitable purifying solvent ormixture containing purifying solvent depending on the compound to bepurified.

The amount of solvent utilized depends upon the scale of the reaction,i.e., the amount of reagents utilized. One of skill in the art wouldreadily be able to determine the amount of solvent required to purifythe indolone, indol-thione, indol-ylidene cyanamide, benzoxazin-one,benzoxazin-thione, benzoxazin-ylidene cyanamide, benzothiazinone,benzothiazine-thione, benzothiazin-ylidene cyanamide compounds, orderivatives thereof.

The basic salts prepared according to the invention can be soluble inthe purifying solvent. Any solids can be removed, including unwantedmaterials that are still present in the purifying solvent afterconversion to the soluble basic salt. For example, solid residual heavymetals such as palladium, solid inorganic compounds, and solid organiccompounds can be present as impurities and may be removed.

Alternatively, the basic salts of the invention may be insoluble in thepurifying solvent. If insoluble, the filtrate lacking the basic salt,but containing any impurities, can then be discarded and the basic saltcollected using techniques known to those of skill in the art andthereafter utilized in further reactions or for other purposes. Forexample, basic salts with more favorable physical properties than theneutral purified compounds can be utilized as pharmaceutical entitiesfor administration to a patient.

In one embodiment, solid materials present in a solution, including theinsoluble basic salts of the invention or insoluble impurities, can beisolated by filtration. However, one of skill in the art would readilybe able to utilize other methods to isolate the solid materials andinclude, without limitation, centrifugation.

The present invention also provides for converting the basic salt to thepurified compound. Methods for converting the basic salt to the purifiedcompound include treatment of the basic salt with water, an acid, or byheat. In one embodiment, the diethylamine basic salts are converted tothe purified compound by heating a solution of the same in the purifyingsolvent such as diethylamine and water.

For conversion of the basic salt that is soluble in the purifyingsolvent to the purified compound, the purifying solvent containing thesoluble basic salt can be treated with water or an acid that neutralizesthe basic salt and affects precipitation thereof in the purifyingsolvent.

If the basic salt is isolated from the purifying solvent as a solid dueto its insolubility in the purifying solvent, the basic salt can bedissolved in a solubilizing solvent and thereby precipitated from thesolubilizing solvent using water, an acid, or heat. A variety ofsolubilizing solvents can be used to dissolve basic salts that are notsoluble in the purifying solvents utilized to prepare the same. In oneembodiment, the solubilizing solvents are polar solvents and include,without limitation, acetone, water, THF, diethylamine, lower alcohols asdescribed above, or combinations thereof. One of skill in the art wouldreadily be able to select a solubilizing solvent for use in dissolvingthe basic salt according to the present invention.

The temperatures utilized to convert the basic salt to the purifiedcompound must be low enough to avoid decomposition of the basic salt orpurified compound and can be readily determined by one of skill in theart. In one embodiment, temperatures of less than the boiling point ofthe organic or solubilizing solvent are utilized. In another embodiment,the temperature utilized is less than about 100° C.

Once converted to the purified compound, the precipitated purifiedcompound can be isolated using techniques known to those of skill in theart and include filtration and centrifugation, among others.

The purified compound can then be further purified using techniquesknown to those of skill in the art and include chromatography,distillation, drying, recrystallization, or combinations thereof. In oneembodiment, the purified compound can be recrystallized by dissolvingthe purified compound in a solubilizing solvent as previously describedusing techniques known to those of skill in the art. In a furtherembodiment, the purified compound is dissolved in a minimal amount ofsolubilizing solvent as previously described, the volume of the solutionconcentrated by removing some of the solubilizing solvent, and thetemperature of the solution cooled to promote precipitation of thetwice-purified compound. One of skill in the art would readily be ableto determine the amount of solubilizing solvent required torecrystallize the purified compound. The twice-purified precipitatedcompound can then be isolated using techniques as previously discussed.

In another embodiment, the purified compound can be dried at atmosphericpressure or under a vacuum. One of skill in the art would readily beable to select a suitable vacuum to dry the purified compounds. Highertemperatures can also be applied to the purified compound during dryingto remove entrapped purifying solvents or solubilizing solvents. Suchtemperatures can readily be selected by one of skill in the art.

In one embodiment, the present invention therefore provides a method forpurifying a compound of formula I:

wherein, A and B are independently selected from the group consisting ofH, C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, C₂ to C₆ alkenyl,substituted C₂ to C₆ alkenyl, C₂ to C₆ alkynyl, substituted C₂ to C₆alkynyl, C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl, substituted C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl, aryl,substituted aryl, heterocyclic, substituted heterocyclic, COR^(A), andNR^(B)COR^(A). In another embodiment, A and B are joined to form a ringcomprising (i) a carbon-based 3 to 8 membered saturated spirocyclicring; (ii) a carbon-based 3 to 8 membered spirocyclic ring containing inits backbone one or more carbon-carbon double bonds; or (iii) a 3 to 8membered heterocyclic ring containing in its backbone one to threeheteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N, where therings of (i), (ii) and (iii) are optionally substituted by from 1 to 4groups selected from the group consisting of fluorine, C₁ to C₆ alkyl,C₁ to C₆ alkoxy, C₁ to C₆ thioalkyl, CF₃, OH, CN, NH₂, NH(C₁ to C₆alkyl), and N(C₁ to C₆ alkyl)₂. R^(A) is selected from the groupconsisting of H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, aryl,substituted aryl, C₁to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, amino, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, and substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl. RB is H, C₁ to C₃alkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl. T is O, S, or absent. Q is O, S,or NR³. R³ is selected from among C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁to C₆alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, CN, C(O)R4, SO₂R⁴, SCN, OR⁴, SR⁴,C(O)OR⁴, C(S)OR⁴, C(O)SR⁴, or C(S)SR⁴. R¹ can be halogen. R¹ can also bea substituted benzene ring containing the substituents X, Y and Z asshown below:

wherein, X is selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, C₁to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl,alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy, amino, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, NO₂, C₁ to C₃perfluoroalkyl, 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring containing in itsbackbone 1 to 3 heteroatoms, SO₂NH₂, COR^(C), OCOR^(C), andNR^(D)COR^(C). R^(C) is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl,aryl, substituted aryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl. RD is H, C₁ to C₃alkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl. Y and Z are independently selectedfrom the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, NO₂, amino, aminoalkyl,C₁to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, and C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy. In anotherembodiment, R¹ is a five or six membered ring having in its backbone 1,2, or 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, SO, SO₂and NR² and containing one or two substituents independently selectedfrom the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, NO₂, amino, C₁ to C₃ alkyl,C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, SO₂NH₂, COR^(E), andNR^(F)COR^(E). R¹ is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl,aryl, substituted aryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁to C₃ alkoxy, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl. R^(F) is H, C₁ toC₃ alkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl. R² is H, absent, O, or C₁ to C₄alkyl. The method includes treating the compound of formula I with abase to form a basic salt; and converting the basic salt to a purifiedcompound of formula I.

In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a method forpurifying a compound of formula I:

wherein, A and B are independently selected from the group consisting ofH, C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, C₂ to C₆ alkenyl,substituted C₂ to C₆ alkenyl, C₂ to C₆ alkynyl, substituted C₂ to C₆alkynyl, C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl, substituted C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl, aryl,substituted aryl, heterocyclic, substituted heterocyclic, COR^(A), andNR^(B)COR^(A). In another embodiment, A and B are joined to form a ringcomprising (i) a carbon-based 3 to 8 membered saturated spirocyclicring; (ii) a carbon-based 3 to 8 membered spirocyclic ring containing inits backbone one or more carbon-carbon double bonds; or (iii) a 3 to 8membered heterocyclic ring containing in its backbone one to threeheteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N, where therings of (i), (ii) and (iii) are optionally substituted by from 1 to 4groups selected from the group consisting of fluorine, C₁ to C₆ alkyl,C₁ to C₆ alkoxy, C₁ to C₆ thioalkyl, CF₃, OH, CN, NH₂, NH(C₁ to C₆alkyl), and N(C₁ to C₆ alkyl)₂. R^(A) is selected from the groupconsisting of H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, aryl,substituted aryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, amino,C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, and substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl. RB is H, C₁ toC₃ alky, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl. T is O, S, or absent. Q is O, S,or NR³. R³ is selected from among C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, CN, C(O)R⁴, SO₂R⁴,SCN, OR⁴, SR⁴, C(O)OR⁴,C(S)OR⁴, C(O)SR⁴, or C(S)SR⁴. In another embodiment, R¹ is halogen. Instill another embodiment, R¹ is a substituted benzene ring containingthe substituents X, Y and Z as shown below:

wherein, X is selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, C₁to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl,alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy, amino, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, NO₂, C₁ to C₃perfluoroalkyl, 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring containing in itsbackbone 1 to 3 heteroatoms, SO₂NH₂, COR^(C), OCOR^(C), andNR^(D)COR^(C). R^(C) is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl,aryl, substituted aryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl. R^(D) is H, C₁ toC₃ alkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl. Y and Z are independentlyselected from the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, NO₂, amino,aminoalkyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, and C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy. Inanother embodiment, R¹ is a five or six membered ring having in itsbackbone 1, 2, or 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O,S, SO, SO₂ and NR² and containing one or two substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, NO₂, amino, C, toC₃ alkyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, SO₂NH₂, COR^(E), andNR^(F)COR^(E). R^(E) is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl,aryl, substituted aryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl. R^(F) is H, C₁ toC₃ alkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl. R² is H, absent, O, or C₁ to C₄alkyl. The method includes mixing the compound of formula I and asolvent; adding a base to the solvent; and precipitating purifiedcompound of formula I using an agent selected from the group consistingof an acid, water, or heat.

III. METHODS OF USING THE PURIFIED COMPOUNDS OF THE INVENTION

The purified compounds of this invention are useful as progesteronereceptor modulators, including antagonists and agonists. In oneembodiment, the purified compounds of this invention can act ascompetitive inhibitors of progesterone binding to the PR and thereforeact as agonists in functional models, either/or in vitro and in vivo.

The purified compounds are therefore useful as oral contraceptives inboth males and females. The purified compounds are also useful inhormone replacement therapy. The purified compounds are further usefulin the treatment of endometriosis, luteal phase defects,hormone-dependent neoplastic disease, the synchronization of estrus, andbenign breast and prostatic diseases. The hormone-dependent neoplasticdisease can include uterine myometrial fibroids, endometriosis, benignprostatic hypertrophy, carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of theendometrium, ovary, breast, colon, prostate, pituitary, uterine, andmeningioma. The purified compounds are also useful in treating hirsutismor acne.

In one embodiment, the purified compounds of this invention are usedalone as a sole therapeutic agent. In other embodiments, the purifiedcompounds of this invention are used in combination with other agents,such as estrogens, progestins, estrones, or androgens.

The purified compounds of the present invention encompass tautomericforms of the structures provided herein characterized by the bioactivityof the drawn structures. Further, the purified compounds of the presentinvention can be used in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable saltsderived from pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable acids,bases, alkali metals and alkaline earth metals.

Physiologically acceptable acids include those derived from inorganicand organic acids. A number of inorganic acids are known in the art andinclude hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, sulfuric, nitric, andphosphoric acids, among others. Similarly, a variety of organic acidsare known in the art and include, without limitation, lactic, formic,acetic, fumaric, citric, propionic, oxalic, succinic, glycolic,glucuronic, maleic, furoic, glutamic, benzoic, anthranilic, salicylic,tartaric, malonic, mallic, phenylacetic, mandelic, embonic,methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, panthenoic, benzenesulfonic,toluenesulfonic, stearic, sulfanilic, alginic, and galacturonic acids,among others.

Physiologically acceptable bases include those derived from inorganicand organic bases. A number of inorganic bases are known in the art andinclude aluminium, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, andzinc sulfate or phosphate compounds, among others. A number of organicbases are known in the art and include, without limitation,N,N,-dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine,ethylenediamine, meglumine, and procaine, among others.

Physiologically acceptable alkali salts and alkaline earth metal saltscan include, without limitation, sodium, potassium, calcium andmagnesium salts in the form of esters, and carbamates. Otherconventional “pro-drug” forms can also be utilized which, when deliveredin such form, convert to the active moiety in vivo.

These salts, as well as other purified compounds of the invention can bein the form of esters, carbamates and other conventional “pro-drug”forms, which, when administered in such form, convert to the activemoiety in vivo. In a currently preferred embodiment, the prodrugs areesters. See, e.g., B. Testa and J. Caldwell, “Prodrugs Revisited: The“Ad Hoc” Approach as a Complement to Ligand Design”, Medicinal ResearchReviews, 16(3):233-241, ed., John Wiley & Sons (1996).

The purified compounds discussed herein also encompass “metabolites”which are unique products formed by processing the compounds of theinvention by the cell or patient. In one embodiment, the metabolites areformed in vivo.

In one embodiment, the purified compounds of this invention areformulated neat. In other embodiments, the purified compounds of theinvention are formulated with a pharmaceutical carrier foradministration, the proportion of which is determined by the solubilityand chemical nature of the compound, chosen route of administration andstandard pharmacological practice. The pharmaceutical carrier may besolid or liquid.

A solid carrier can include one or more substances which may also act asflavoring agents, lubricants, solubilizers, suspending agents, fillers,glidants, compression aids, binders or tablet-disintegrating agents; itcan also be an encapsulating material. In powders, the carrier is afinely divided solid which is in admixture with the finely dividedactive ingredient. In tablets, the active ingredient is mixed with acarrier having the necessary compression properties in suitableproportions and compacted in the shape and size desired. The powders andtablets may contain up to 99% of the active ingredient. Suitable solidcarriers include, for example, calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate,talc, sugars, lactose, dextrin, starch, gelatin, cellulose, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidine, lowmelting waxes and ion exchange resins.

Liquid carriers are used in preparing solutions, suspensions, emulsions,syrups, elixirs and pressurized compositions. The active ingredient canbe dissolved or suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquidcarrier such as water, an organic solvent, a mixture of both orpharmaceutically acceptable oils or fats. The liquid carrier can containother suitable pharmaceutical additives such as solubilizers,emulsifiers, buffers, preservatives, sweeteners, flavoring agents,suspending agents, thickening agents, colors, viscosity regulators,stabilizers or osmo-regulators. Suitable examples of liquid carriers fororal and parenteral administration include water (partially containingadditives as above, e.g. cellulose derivatives, such as sodiumcarboxymethyl cellulose solution), alcohols (including monohydricalcohols and polyhydric alcohols, e.g. glycols) and their derivatives,lethicins, and oils (e.g. fractionated coconut oil and arachis oil). Forparenteral administration, the carrier can also be an oily ester such asethyl oleate and isopropyl myristate. Sterile liquid carriers are usefulin sterile liquid form compositions for parenteral administration. Theliquid carrier for pressurized compositions can be halogenatedhydrocarbon or other pharmaceutically acceptable propellant.

The purified compounds of the invention can be delivered by a route suchas oral, dermal, transdermal, intrabronchial, intranasal, intravenous,intramuscular, subcutaneous, parenteral, intraperitoneal, intranasal,vaginal, rectal, sublingual, intracranial, epidural, intratracheal, orby sustained release. In one embodiment, delivery is oral ortransdermal.

In another embodiment, the compositions are delivered orally by tablet,capsule, microcapsules, dispersible powder, granule, suspension, syrup,elixir, and aerosol. In one embodiment, when the compositions aredelivered orally, delivery is by tablets and hard- or liquid-filledcapsules.

In yet another embodiment, the compositions are delivered intravenously,intramuscularly, subcutaneously, parenterally and intraperitoneally inthe form of sterile injectable solutions, suspensions, dispersions, andpowders which are fluid to the extent that easy syringe ability exists.Such injectable compositions are sterile, stable under conditions ofmanufacture and storage, and free of the contaminating action ofmicroorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

Injectable formations can be prepared by combining the compositions witha liquid. The liquid can be selected from among water, glycerol,ethanol, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol, oils, and mixturesthereof. In one embodiment, the liquid carrier is water. In anotherembodiment, the oil is vegetable oil. Optionally, the liquid carriercontains about a suspending agent. In another embodiment, the liquidcarrier is an isotonic medium and contains about 0.05 to about 5%suspending agent.

In a further embodiment, the compositions are delivered rectally in theform of a conventional suppository.

In another embodiment, the compositions are delivered vaginally in theform of a conventional suppository, cream, gel, ring, or coatedintrauterine device (IUD).

In yet another embodiment, the compositions are delivered intranasallyor intrabronchially in the form of an aerosol.

In a further embodiment, the compositions are delivered transdermally orby sustained release through the use of a transdermal patch containingthe composition and an optional carrier that is inert to thecompound(s), is nontoxic to the skin, and allows for delivery of thepurified compound(s) for systemic absorption into the blood stream. Sucha carrier can be a cream, ointment, paste, gel, or occlusive device. Thecreams and ointments can be viscous liquid or semisolid emulsions.Pastes can include absorptive powders dispersed in petroleum orhydrophilic petroleum. Further, a variety of occlusive devices can beutilized to release the active reagents into the blood stream andinclude semi-permeable membranes covering a reservoir contain the activereagents, or a matrix containing the reactive reagents.

In one embodiment, sustained delivery devices are utilized in order toavoid the necessity for the patient to take medications on a dailybasis. The term “sustained delivery” is used herein to refer to delayingthe release of an active agent, i.e., compositions of the invention,until after placement in a delivery environment, followed by a sustainedrelease of the agent at a later time. A number of sustained deliverydevices are known in the art and include hydrogels (U.S. Pat. Nos.5,266,325; 4,959,217; 5,292,515), osmotic pumps (U.S. Pat. Nos.4,295,987 and 5,273,752 and European Patent No. 314,206, among others);hydrophobic membrane materials, such as ethylenemethacrylate (EMA) andethylenevinylacetate (EVA); bioresorbable polymer systems (InternationalPatent Publication No. WO 98/44964 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,756,127 and5,854,388); and other bioresorbable implant devices composed of, forexample, polyesters, polyanhydrides, or lactic acid/glycolic acidcopolymers (U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,343). For use in such sustained deliverydevices, the compositions of the invention can be formulated asdescribed herein. See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,845,770; 3,916,899; 3,536,809;3,598,123; and 4,008,719.

The dosage requirements vary with the particular compositions employed,the route of administration, the severity of the symptoms presented andthe particular subject being treated. Based on the results obtained inthe standard pharmacological test procedures, projected daily dosages ofactive compound would be about 0.1 to about 500 mg/kg, about 1 to about100 mg/kg, about 2 to about 80 mg/kg, about 5 to about 50 mg/kg, orabout 5 to about 25 mg/kg. Treatment will generally be initiated withsmall dosages less than the optimum dose of the purified compound.Thereafter the dosage is increased until the optimum effect under thecircumstances is reached.

Advantageously, particularly potent PR modulators (e.g., those offormula I) may be useful at the lower end of the dosage ranges providedherein. The dosage regimen may however be adjusted to provide theoptimal therapeutic response. For example, several divided doses (e.g.,in divided doses 2 to 4 times a day) may be administered daily or thedose may be proportionally reduced as indicated by the exigencies of thetherapeutic situation. Alternatively, a single dose can be delivered. Incertain embodiments, the delivery can be on a daily, weekly, or monthlybasis. in one embodiment, delivery is on a daily basis. Daily dosagescan be lowered or raised based on the periodic delivery.

Precise dosages for oral, parenteral, nasal, or intrabronchialadministration can be determined by the administering physician based onexperience with the individual subject treated. In one embodiment, thepharmaceutical composition is in unit dosage form, e.g. as tablets orcapsules. In such form, the composition is sub-divided in unit dosecontaining appropriate quantities of the active ingredient; the unitdosage forms can be packaged compositions, for example, packagedpowders, vials, ampoules, pre filled syringes or sachets containingliquids. The unit dosage form can be, for example, a capsule or tabletitself, or it can be the appropriate number of any such compositions inpackage form.

IV. PHARMACEUTICAL KITS

The present invention provides kits or packages of pharmaceuticalformulations including the purified compounds of formula I describedherein. When the purified compounds of formula I are to be deliveredcontinuously, a package or kit can include the purified compound in eachtablet. When the purified compound is to be delivered with periodicdiscontinuation, a package or kit can include placebos on those dayswhen the purified compound is not delivered.

In one embodiment, the kits are also organized to indicate a single oralformulation or combination of oral formulations to be taken on each dayof the cycle. In a further embodiment the kits include oral tablets tobe taken on each of the days specified. in still another embodiment, oneoral tablet will contain each of the combined daily dosages indicated.

Similarly, other kits of the type described above may be prepared inwhich a purified compound of formula I is delivered. In one embodiment,the daily dosage of the purified compound of formula I remains fixed ineach particular phase in which it is delivered. In a further embodiment,the daily dose units described are to be delivered in the orderdescribed, with the first phase followed in order by the second andthird phases. In yet another embodiment, the kits contain the placebodescribed for the final days of the cycle to help facilitate compliancewith each regimen.

A number of packages or kits are known in the art for the use indispensing pharmaceutical agents for oral use. In one embodiment, thepackage has indicators for each day, and may be a labeled blisterpackage, dial dispenser package, or bottle.

The following examples are provided to illustrate the invention and donot limit the scope thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate thatalthough specific reagents and conditions are outlined in the followingexamples, modifications can be made which are meant to be encompassed bythe spirit and scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Purification of 5-(4,4-Dimethyl-2-Thioxo-1,4-Dihydro-2H-3 ,1-Benzoxazin-6-YL)-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrole-2-Carbonitrile

A slurry of potassium tert-butoxide (126 g) in THF was added to a crude5-(4,4-dimethyl-2-thioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-6-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile(171 g; purity 75% HPLC area) dissolved in THF (0.50 L) and cooled to15° C. More THF (0.25 L) was added and the suspension was stirred for 1hour, filtered on a Buchner funnel and rinsed with THF (0.50 L). Afterdrying the cake overnight, it was dissolved in a 1:1 acetone:watermixture (0.70 L) at about 5° C. (pH of about 13 to about 14). A 10%aqueous HCl solution (0.35 L) was added dropwise while maintaining thetemperature (pH about 3 to about 4). After stirring the suspension for30 minutes, the stirred suspension was filtered on a Buchner funnel. Thecake from the Buchner funnel was washed with water (0.15 and 0.25 L) anddried under vacuum to give the purified product (90.0 g) as a yellowsolid (purity >99% HPLC area).

Example 2 Purification of5-(4,4-Dimethyl-2-Thioxo-1,4-Dihydro-2H-3,1-Benzoxazin-6-YL)-1H-Methyl-1H-Pyrrole-2-Carbonitrile

Crude5-(4,4-dimethyl-2-thioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-6-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile(10.0 g), containing 16% of an impurity, was suspended in MeOH (25 mL)followed by addition of potassium tert-butoxide (4.48 g). The suspensionwas stirred at 65° C. until a clear solution was obtained. Upon coolingto about 5° C., a 4M HCl solution in dioxane (12 mL) was added dropwise.The yellow precipitate was filtered and washed with a 1:1 acetone:watermixture. Recrystallization from an acetone:water mixture yielded 5.4 gof the product containing only 0.5% of the impurity.

Example 3 Purification of5-(4,4-Dimethyl-2-Thioxo-1,4-Dihydro-2H-3,1-Benzoxazin-6-YL)-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrole-2-Carbonitrile

Crude5-(4,4-dimethyl-2-thioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-6-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile(10.8 g) was stirred in a 1M aqueous NaOH solution (92 mL) for 1 hour.The insoluble material was removed by filtration and the filtrate wasslowly added to a solution of MeOH (92 mL) containing acetic acid (5.64g). The crystalline product was collected via filtration and dried undervacuum at about 50° C. to give 6.95 g (65% yield; purity 96.0% HPLCarea).

Example 4 Purification of5-(4,4-Dimethyl-2-Oxo-1,4-Dihydro-2H-3,1-BenzEoxazin-6-YL)-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrole-2-CarbonitrileSodium Salt

A suspension of5-(4,4-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-6-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrilein MeOH or THF, gave solutions upon addition of potassium tert-butoxide,tetramethylguanidine or diazabicycloundecene. The solution indiazabicycloundecene gave the lightest-colored solution. Precipitationof the purified product occurred upon acidification with a 5% aqueousHCl solution.

Substitution of acetic acid for the HCl solution did not result inprecipitation of the purified compound.

Example 5 Preparation of 6-Bromo-4,4-Dimethyl-Benzoxazine-2-One SodiumSalt

6-Bromo-4,4-dimethyl-benzoxazine-2-one (2.59 g) was dissolved in THF (50mL) at ambient temperature followed by addition of sodium tert-butoxide(0.96 g). The mixture was gently heated until a solution was obtained.The solution was evaporated to give a white solid (2.86 g; quant. yield)that was soluble in N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) and dimethyl pyrimidone(DMPU) heated to about 40 to about 50° C. ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) did not showa peak corresponding to a N—H group.

Example 6 Preparation of 6-Bromo-4,4-Dimethyl-Benzoxazine-2-One LithiumSalt

Similarly, 6-bromo-4,4-dimethyl-benzoxazine-2-one (2.55 g) was reactedwith lithium tert-butoxide (10 mL of 1M solution in THF). Afterevaporation a brownish solid was obtained (3.35 g; quant. yield) thatwas soluble in dimethyl pyrimidone (DMPU) without heating. ¹H NMR(DMSO-d₆) did not show a peak corresponding to a N—H group.

Example 7 Preparation and Purification of5-Bromo-Spiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]-Indol]-2′(1H)-One

5-Bromo-spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]-indol]-2′(1 H)-one was prepared from5-bromooxindole (150 g) using 3 eq. of potassium tert-butoxide in THF atabout 0 to about 5° C. Upon completion of the reaction, the reactionmixture containing the potassium salt was quenched with dilute HCl (1 L)to a pH of about 1. The organic layer was washed with brine anddistilled to remove some THF. Distillation was continued whileacetonitrile was added. The precipitated product was filtered, washedwith acetonitrile and dried in a vacuum oven to give5-bromo-spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]-indol]-2′(1H)-one (158 g; 80% yield;purity 98.1% HPLC area).

Example 8 Preparation of5′-(5-Cyano-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrol-2-YL)Spiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]Indol]-2′-YlindenecyAnamide Choline Salt

5′-(5-Cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-ylidenecyanamide(0.96 g) in ethanol (20 mL) was reacted with choline hydroxide (0.91 g;45% solution in methanol) to form, upon cooling, filtering and drying,5′-(5-cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-ylidenecyanamidecholine salt (0.88 g) as a solid.

The solubility of5′-(5-cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-ylidenecyanamidecholine salt in DMF was 11 mg/mL, while the solubility of5′-(5-Cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-ylidenecyanamidewas 3 mg/mL. Similarly, the melting point of5′-(5-cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-ylidenecyanamidecholine salt was 205.5° C., while the melting point of5′-(5-Cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-lidenecyanamide was 270.5-273.5° C.

The choline salt had individual particles of about 5-30 μm. When thecholine salt was combined in water to form a slurry, the precipitatedmaterial of the parent compound had particles of about 20-50 μm.

The ¹H-NMR data (DMSO-d₆) for the neutral compound (X=H) and salt(X=choline) was obtained and is set forth below in Table 1.

TABLE 1

¹H-NMR chemical shift (ppm) X H_(a) H_(b) H_(c) H_(d) H_(e) H 7.02 6.337.71 7.41 7.17 choline 6.98 6.22 7.41 7.14 6.89

Example 9 Purification of5-(2′-Thioxospiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]Indol]-5′-YL)-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrole-2-Carbonitrile

5-(2′-Thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile(12.3 g, 98.7% purity) was dissolved in boiling diethylamine (280 mL). Aportion of the solvent was distilled off and water (230 mL) was added toform a suspension. The solids were removed via filtration, washed withwater and dried at 47° C. in vacuo to give 11.25 g (91.5% yield, 99.1%purity, 0.52% residual diethylamine) of purified product.

Example 10 Comparison of Chemical Shifts of5′-(5-Cyano-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrol-2-YL)Spiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]Indol]-2′-YlidenecyAnamide and Salts Thereof

5′-(5-Cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2-ylidenecyanamide (0.96 g) in ethanol (20 mL) was reacted with the bases set forthin Table 2 to form, upon cooling, filtering and drying,5′-(5-cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-ylidenecyanamidesalt as a solid. The ¹H-NMR spectra (DMSO-d₆) of the purified compound(X=H) and isolated salts (X=Na, K, choline, and Et₂NH·H) were obtainedand the data compiled in Table 2.

TABLE 2

¹H-NMR chemical shift (ppm) base X H_(a) H_(b) H_(c) H_(d) H_(e) — H7.02 6.33 7.71 7.41 7.17 sodium Na 6.98 6.21 7.41 7.13 6.89 hydroxidepotassium K 6.97 6.21 7.42 7.14 6.93 hydroxide choline choline 6.98 6.227.41 7.14 6.89 hydroxide Et₂NH•H 7.00 6.27 7.58 7.21 7.05

This example illustrates that when diethylamine is utilized as the base,the diethylamine salt produces peaks in the ¹H-NMR spectra that are notconsistent with the peaks for the neutral parent compound or the sodium,potassium, or choline salts. Specifically, the peaks in the ¹H-NMRspectrum for the diethylamine salt are at chemical shifts between theneutral and sodium, potassium, or choline salts.

Example 11 Preparation of5-(2′-Thixoxspiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]Indol]-5′-YL)-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrole-2-Carbonitrile Sodium Salt

5-(2′-Thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile(0.72 g) was dissolved in THF (10 mL) at ambient temperature. One mL ofthis solution was mixed with aqueous IN NaOH (0.22 mL). Evaporation andtrituration with heptane gave5-(2′-thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrilesodium salt as a solid (mp 83.4° C.).

Example 12 Preparation of5-(2′-Thixoxspiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]Indol]5′-YL)-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrole-2-CarbonitrileCholine Salt

5-(2′-Thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile(0.72 g) was dissolved in THF (10 mL) at ambient temperature. One mL ofthis solution was mixed with aqueous IN choline hydroxide (62.1 mg, 45%solution in MeOH). Evaporation and trituration with heptane gave5-(2′-thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrilesodium salt as a solid (mp 159° C.).

Example 13 Preparation of5-(2′-Thioxospiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]Indol]5′-YL)-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrole-2-CarbonitrilePotassium Salt (i) Procedure A

5-(2′-Thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile(0.72 g) was dissolved in THF (10 mL) at ambient temperature. One mL ofthis solution was mixed with potassium tert-butoxide (25.3 mg).Evaporation and trituration with heptane gave5-(2′-thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrilesodium salt as a solid (mp 79.2° C.).

(ii) Procedure B

5-(2′-Thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile(0.163 g) was suspended in acetone (3 mL). Anhydrous 325 mesh potassiumcarbonate (0.726 g) was added and the mixture was stirred under nitrogenovernight. The stirred mixture was filtered, washed with acetone (5 mL)and the filtrate evaporated to give5-(2′-thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrilepotassium salt (0.185 g) as a solid. ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆, ppm): (absentN—H), 7.64, 7.25, 7.05, 7.0, 6.27, 3.72, 2.1-1.65, and 1.1-1.0.

Example 14 Purification of5-(2′-Thioxospiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]Indol]-5′-YL)-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrole-2-CarbonitrileVia Its Sodium Salt

Crude5-(2′-thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile(1.0 g, purity 97.3% HPLC area) was suspended in acetone (6.6 mL) andwater (2 mL). Sodium hydroxide (0.33 g, 50% solution in water) was addedand the mixture was warmed to 32-35 ° C. for 15 min. The warmed solutionwas filtered, diluted with water (2 mL) and cooled to 5-10° C. Thecooled solution was then neutralized with aqueous HCl to a pH of 5-7,stirred for 30 minutes, filtered and washed with a mixture ofacetone-water (1: 1) to give purified5-(2′-thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-arbonitrile(0.97 g, purity 98.7% HPLC area). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, ppm): 12.75 (N—H),7.82, 7.44, 7.15, 7.04, 6.35, 3.72, 2.0-1.7, and 1.4-1.3.

Example 15 Purification of5-(2′-Thioxospiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]Indol]-5′-YL)-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrole-2-CarbonitrileVia Its Cesium Salt

5-(2′-Thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile(0.204 g, 96.8% HPLC area) was heated to reflux with cesium carbonate(0.419 g) in ethanol SDA3 (5 mL) to form a clear solution. Water (5 mL)was added, followed by concentrated HCl (0.3 mL) to a pH of 6. Theobtained solids were filtered, washed with water (3 mL) and dried togive purified 5-(2′-thioxospiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-5′-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile (0.176 g, 99.0%HPLC area).

Example 16 Purification of5′-(5-Cyano-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrol-2-YL)Spiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]Indol]-2′-YlidenecyAnamide Via Its Potassium Salt

Crude5′-(5-cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-ylidenecyanamide(2.7 g; purity 90% HPLC area) was dissolved in DMSO (11 mL) at 60-70°C., followed by addition of isopropanol (30 mL). After cooling thesuspension to 10° C., the cooled suspension was filtered and washed withisopropanol. The resultant wet cake containing residual DMSO wassuspended in isopropanol (10 mL) and potassium tert-butoxide (1.9 g) wasadded. The resultant clear solution was cooled to 5-15° C. and acidifiedwith 10% HCl to a pH of 3-4 to form a suspension. The suspension wasfiltered and washed with water until a sample of the filtrate was foundto be neutral according to pH. The obtaining solids were dried in vacuoto give purified5′-(5-cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-ylidenecyanamide(1.8 g, 67% yield based on the crude; purity 98.9% HPLC area; DMSO0.008%).

Example 17

Depletion of Residual Palladium from5′-(5-Cyano-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrol-2-YL)Spiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]Indol]-2′-YlidenecyAnamide Via Its Potassium Salt

Crude 5′ -(5-cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-ylidenecyanamide(1.0 g) containing residual Pd (5100 ppm) was suspended in THF (5 mL).Upon addition of aqueous 1M KOH (5 mL), a clear orange solution wasobtained. N-Acetylcysteine (1.3 g) was added, the mixture was stirredfor 1 hour, and filtered. Ten percent aqueous HCl (3 mL) was addeddropwise to the filtrate causing precipitation of a white solid. Thesolution was filtered, the solid washed with methanol, and the washedsolid dried to give5′-(5-cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol])-2′-ylidenecyanamide(0.6 g; 60% yield; 96 ppm Pd).

Example 18 Preparation of5′-(5-CYANO-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrol-2-YL)Spiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]Indol]-2′-YlidenecyAnamide Diethylamine Salt/Complex

5′-(5-Cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-ylidenecyanamide(16 g) in THF (100 mL) was treated with diethylamine (37 g) and refluxeduntil a solution was obtained. Upon cooling to ambient temperature, awhite precipitate was formed. The solution was filtered, the precipitatewashed with THF and dried to give 18.0 g (90% yield) of the diethylaminesalt/complex. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, ppm): 7.58, 7.21, 7.05, 7.00, 6.5-6 (br),6.27, 3.71, 2.80 (q), 1.9-1.7, 1.5-1.4, and 1.10 (t).

Example 19 Purification of5′-(5-Cyano-1-Methyl-1H-Pyrrol-2-YL)Spiro[Cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]Indol]-2′-YlidenecyAnamide Via Its Diethylamine Salt/Complex

Crude5′-(5-cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol]-2′-ylidenecyanamide(95.0 g; purity 78% HPLC area) in THF (250 mL) was treated withdiethylamine (105 g) and refluxed with a concomitant addition of THF(3.35 L) until dissolved. The solvent was distilled off (2.5 L) duringwhich a precipitate was formed. The flask was cooled to ambienttemperature and the white precipitate was filtered, washed with etherand dried to give 58.0 g (61% yield) of purified5′-(5-cyano-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-[3H]indol])-2′-ylidenecyanamide(purity >99% HPLC area).

All publications listed in this specification are incorporated herein byreference. While the invention has been described with reference to aparticularly preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated thatmodifications can be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A method for purifying a compound of formula I:

wherein: A and B are independently selected from the group consisting ofH, C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, C₂ to C₆ alkenyl,substituted C₂ to C₆ alkenyl, C₂ to C₆ alkynyl, substituted C₂ to C₆alkynyl, C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl, substituted C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl, aryl,substituted aryl, heterocyclic, substituted heterocyclic, COR^(A), andNR^(B)COR^(A); or A and B are joined to form a ring comprising (i),(ii), or (iii): (i) a carbon-based 3 to 8 membered saturated spirocyclicring; (ii) a carbon-based 3 to 8 membered spirocyclic ring containing inits backbone one or more carbon-carbon double bonds; or (iii) a 3 to 8membered heterocyclic ring containing in its backbone one to threeheteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N; the ringsof (i), (ii) and (iii) being optionally substituted by from 1 to 4groups selected from the group consisting of fluorine, C₁to C₆ alkyl, C₁to C₆ alkoxy, C₁to C₆ thioalkyl, CF₃, OH, CN, NH₂, NH(C₁ to C₆ alkyl),and N(C₁ to C₆ alkyl)₂; R^(A) is selected from the group consisting ofH, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl,C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, amino, C₁ to C₃aminoalkyl, and substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl; R^(B) is H, C₁ to C₃alkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl; T is O or S; Q is O, S, or NR³; R¹is (iv), (v), or (vi): (iv) halogen; (v) a substituted benzene ringcontaining the substituents X, Y and Z as shown below:

wherein: X is selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, C₁to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl,alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy, amino, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, NO₂, C₁ to C₃perfluoroalkyl, 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring containing in itsbackbone 1 to 3 heteroatoms, SO₂NH₂, COR^(C), OCOR^(C), andNR^(D)COR^(C); R^(C) is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl,aryl, substituted aryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl; R^(D) is H, C₁ toC₃ alkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl; Y and Z are independentlyselected from the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, NO₂, amino,aminoalkyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, and C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy; or(vi) a five or six membered ring having in its backbone 1, 2, or 3heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, SO, SO₂ and NR²and containing one or two substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of H, halogen, CN, NO₂, amino, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, C₁ to C₃alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, SO₂NH₂, COR^(E), and NR^(F)COR^(E); R^(E)is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, aryl, substitutedaryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl,or substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl; R^(F) is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, orsubstituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl; R² is H, absent, O, or C₁ to C₄ alkyl; andR³ is C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, aryl, substitutedaryl, CN, C(O)R⁴, SO₂R⁴, SCN, OR⁴, SR⁴, C(O)OR⁴, C(S)OR⁴, C(O)SR⁴, orC(S)SR⁴; R⁴ is C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, aryl, orsubstituted aryl; wherein said method comprises: (a) treating a crudeform of a compound of formula I with a base in the presence of a solventto form a basic salt; and (b) converting said basic salt to a purifiedform of a compound of formula I.
 2. The method according to claim 1,wherein said compound of formula I is selected from the group consistingof an indol-2-one, indol-2-thione, indol-2-ylidene cyanamide;benzoxazine-2-one, benzoxazine-2-thione, benzoxazin-2-ylidene cyanamide;benzothiazin-2-one, benzothiazine-2-thione, and a benzothiazin-2-ylidenecyanamide.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said solvent isselected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran, methanol,diethylamine, acetone, and water.
 4. The method according to claim 1,wherein said base is selected from the group consisting of an alkoxidesalt, diethylamine, a hydroxide salt, tetramethylguanidine, anddiazabicycloundecene.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein saidbasic salt is soluble in said solvent.
 6. The method according to claim1, wherein said basic salt is insoluble in said solvent.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising isolating said basic salt. 8.The method according to claim 7, wherein said isolated basic salt isdissolved in a solubilizing solvent.
 9. The method according to claim 8,wherein said solubilizing solvent is acetone or aqueous acetone.
 10. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising filtering the product ofstep (a).
 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein said purifiedcompound of formula I is precipitated.
 12. The method according to claim11, wherein said precipitation is performed using an acid.
 13. Themethod according to claim 12, wherein said acid is an organic acid or amineral acid.
 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein saidprecipitation is performed using water.
 15. The method according toclaim 11, wherein said precipitation is performed using heat.
 16. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein said step (b) comprises treatingsaid basic salt with an agent that converts said basic salt to saidpurified compound of formula I.
 17. The method according to claim 16,wherein said agent is selected from the group consisting of water, anacid, and heat.
 18. The method according to claim 1, further comprisingisolating said purified compound of formula I.
 19. The method accordingto claim 1, further comprising recrystallizing said purified compound offormula I.
 20. The method according to claim 1, wherein said compound offormula I is selected from the group consisting of6-(1-methyl-2-cyano-pyrrol-5-yl)5-(4,4-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,4-dihydro-benzoxazin)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile,5-(4,4-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,4-dihydro-benzoxazin)-3-chloro-benzonitrile,5-(4,4-dimethyl-2-thioxo-1,4-dihydro-benzoxazin)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile,6-bromo-4,4-dimethyl-1,4-dihydro-benzoxazin-2-one,5-(4,4-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,4-dihydro-benzoxazin)-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, and5-(4,4-diethyl-2-oxo-1,4-dihydro-benzoxazin)-3-chloro-4-fluoro-benzonitrile.21. The method according to claim 1, wherein said basic salt is selectedfrom the group consisting of 5-(4,4-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-6-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile sodium salt, and6-bromo-4,4-dimethyl-benzoxazin-2-one sodium salt,6-bromo-4,4-dimethyl-benzoxazin-2-one lithium salt.
 22. A pharmaceuticalkit useful for contraception, hormone replacement therapy, treating orpreventing hormone-dependent neoplastic disease, synchronizing estrus,treating acne, or treating hirsutism, said kit comprising a purifiedcompound of formula I prepared according to a method for purifying acompound of formula I:

wherein: A and B are independently selected from the group consisting ofH, C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, C₂ to C₆ alkenyl,substituted C₂ to C₆ alkenyl, C₂ to C₆ alkynyl, substituted C₂ to C₆alkynyl, C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl, substituted C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl, aryl,substituted aryl, heterocyclic, substituted heterocyclic, CORA, andNR^(B)COR^(A); or A and B are joined to form a ring comprising (i),(ii), or (iii): (i) a carbon-based 3 to 8 membered saturated spirocyclicring; (ii) a carbon-based 3 to 8 membered spirocyclic ring containing inits backbone one or more carbon-carbon double bonds; or (iii) a 3 to 8membered heterocyclic ring containing in its backbone one to threeheteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N; the ringsof (i), (ii) and (iii) being optionally substituted by from 1 to 4groups selected from the group consisting of fluorine, C₁ to C₆ alkyl,C₁ to C₆ alkoxy, C₁ to C₆ thioalkyl, CF₃, OH, CN, NH₂, NH(C₁ to C₆alkyl), and N(C₁ to C₆ alkyl)₂; R^(A) is selected from the groupconsisting of H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, aryl,substituted aryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, amino,C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, and substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl; R^(B) is H, C₁to C₃ alkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl; T is O, S, or absent; Q isO, S, or NR³; R¹ is (iv), (v), or (vi): (iv) halogen; (v) a substitutedbenzene ring containing the substituents X, Y and Z as shown below:

wherein: X is selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, C₁to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl,alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy, amino, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, NO₂, C₁ to C₃perfluoroalkyl, 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring containing in itsbackbone 1 to 3 heteroatoms, SO₂NH₂, COR^(C), OCOR^(C), andNR^(D)COR^(C); R^(C) is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl,aryl, substituted aryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl; R^(D) is H, C₁ toC₃ alkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl; Y and Z are independentlyselected from the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, NO₂, amino,aminoalkyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, and C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy; or(vi) a five or six membered ring having in its backbone 1, 2, or 3heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, SO, SO₂ and NR²and containing one or two substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of H, halogen, CN, NO₂, amino, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, C₁ to C₃alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, SO₂NH₂, COR^(E), and NR^(F)COR^(E); R^(E)is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, aryl, substitutedaryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl,or substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl; R^(F) is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, orsubstituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl; R² is H, absent, O, or C₁ to C₄ alkyl; andR³ is C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, aryl, substitutedaryl, CN, C(O)R⁴, SO₂R⁴, SCN, OR⁴, SR⁴, C(O)OR⁴, C(S)OR⁴, C(O)SR⁴, orC(S)SR⁴; R⁴ is C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, aryl, orsubstituted aryl; wherein said method comprises: (a) treating a crudeform of a compound of formula I with a base in the presence of a solventto form a basic salt; and (b) converting said basic salt to a purifiedform of a compound of formula I.
 23. A method for purifying a compoundof formula I:

wherein: A and B are independently selected from the group consisting ofH, C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, C₂ to C₆ alkenyl,substituted C₂ to C₆ alkenyl, C₂ to C₆ alkynyl, substituted C₂ to C₆alkynyl, C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl, substituted C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl, aryl,substituted aryl, heterocyclic, substituted heterocyclic, COR^(A), andNR^(B)COR^(A); or A and B are joined to form a ring comprising (i),(ii), or (iii): (i) a carbon-based 3 to 8 membered saturated spirocyclicring; (ii) a carbon-based 3 to 8 membered spirocyclic ring containing inits backbone one or more carbon-carbon double bonds; or (iii) a 3 to 8membered heterocyclic ring containing in its backbone one to threeheteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N; the ringsof (i), (ii) and (iii) being optionally substituted by from 1 to 4groups selected from the group consisting of fluorine, C₁ to C₆ alkyl,C₁ to C₆ alkoxy, C₁ to C₆ thioalkyl, CF₃, OH, CN, NH₂, NH(C₁ to C₆alkyl), and N(C₁ to C₆ alkyl)₂; R^(A) is selected from the groupconsisting of H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, aryl,substituted aryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, amino,C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, and substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl; R^(B) is H, C₁to C₃ alkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl; T is absent; Q is O, S, orNR³; R¹ is (iv), (v), or (vi): (iv) halogen; (v) a substituted benzenering containing the substituents X, Y and Z as shown below:

wherein: X is selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, C₁to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl,alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy, amino, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, NO₂, C₁ to C₃perfluoroalkyl, 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring containing in itsbackbone 1 to 3 heteroatoms, SO₂NH₂, COR^(C), OCOR^(C), andNR^(D)COR^(C); R^(C) is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl,aryl, substituted aryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁to C₃ aminoalkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl; R^(D) is H, C₁ toC₃ alkyl, or substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl; Y and Z are independentlyselected from the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, NO₂, amino,aminoalkyl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, and C₁ to C₃ thioalkoxy; or(vi) a five or six membered ring having in its backbone 1, 2, or 3heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, SO, SO₂ and NR²and containing one or two substituents independently selected from thegroup consisting of H, halogen, CN, NO₂, amino, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, C₁ to C₃alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl, SO₂NH₂, COR^(E), and NR^(F)COR^(E); R^(E)is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl, aryl, substitutedaryl, C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, substituted C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl,or substituted C₁ to C₃ aminoalkyl; R^(F) is H, C₁ to C₃ alkyl, orsubstituted C₁ to C₃ alkyl; R² is H, absent, O, or C₁ to C₄ alkyl; andR³ is C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, aryl, substitutedaryl, CN, C(O)R⁴, SO₂R⁴, SCN, OR⁴, SR⁴, C(O)OR⁴, C(S)OR⁴, C(O)SR⁴, orC(S)SR⁴; R⁴ is C₁ to C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, aryl, orsubstituted aryl; wherein said method comprises: (a) treating a crudeform of a compound of formula I with a base in the presence of a solventto form a basic salt; and (b) converting said basic salt to a purifiedform of a compound of formula I.